Queensland’s chamber orchestra, Camerata of St John’s, promises an exceptional evening out for regional Queenslanders across the South-West corner.
Known for its adventurous programming, Camerata will present a collection of their greatest hits, designed to provide regional audiences with an enjoyable night out for the whole family, without needing to travel beyond their own communities.
We look forward to touring each year – it is wonderful to hit the road and meet audiences across the state. It is such a privilege to be able to impact so many people in their own home communities. I grew up in Ayr myself, so I understand something of both the good and challenging aspects of regional life.
Brendan Joyce – Orchestra Leader
First time audiences will be enthralled, while more experienced audiences will be quick to hear why Camerata was recently acknowledged alongside Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra with a nomination for the prestigious 2016 Helpmann Awards for Best Chamber Concert.
Camerata’s Greatest (String) Hits will be like a battle of the bands as each section (violin, viola, cello, double bass) present a piece from their favourite repertoire…of course featuring their own instrument! Camerata’s interactive concert will encourage audience members to vote for their favourite performance of the evening, and to even select their own encore from a list including: Monte’s Hungarian Gypsy (Czardas), Mozart’s A Little Night Music, and Leroy Anderson’s Typewriter – you may not recognise the names, but you will definitely know the pieces!
Camerata’s fine musicians will also engage local school groups in a series of workshops and performances while in each community. Camerata’s Education Officer, Jonny Ng, is travelling to each regional community in July to meet with teachers to discuss how we can specially tailor our programs for each location.
With investment from the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Camerata has identified an emerging composer and commissioned a new work which will be created in response to life in regional Queensland. The work will have its world premiere at Jimbour House and will then feature in the concert program in each community.
Unique to Camerata, the ensemble also will deliver a concert program in aged care facilities. Over the years, Camerata has developed an engaging program for residents who delight in a chamber orchestra performing in their facility.
Working with community groups in each location, local organisations will take the lead presenting a public concert.
Performing without a conductor, and with no artistic director, Camerata’s players have established a reputation for passionate, exciting performances that engage audiences of all ages, whatever their experience.
This tour is made possible with the generous support of the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Concert program will include works by: Vivaldi, Piazzolla, Mozart, and Louis Armstrong’s hit, What a Wonderful World.
Performance details (click on the Presenter link for tickets):
Friday 26 August (6:15pm Pre-concert talk, 6.30pm concert) Dalby/Jimbour: Jimbour House
Presented by: Jimbour House, bookings: admin@russellpastoral.com.au or 0402 919 506
Saturday 27 August (5:00pm) Stanthorpe: Swigmore Hall, Channon Wines
Presented by: Channon Wines
Sunday 28 August (2:30pm) Maleny: Maleny Community Hall
Presented by: Maleny Arts Council
Monday 29 August (7:00pm) Chinchilla: Chinchilla Cultural Centre
Presented by: Drought Angels (Gold coin donation at the event – no bookings required)
Tuesday 30 August (7:00pm) Roma: Roma Cultural Centre
Presented by: Camerata of St John’s
Wednesday 31 August (6:00pm) Charleville: Charleville Racecourse Complex
Presented by: Charleville Performing Arts Association, bookings: Charleville Newsagency or 0411 161 262 (Su)
Saturday 3 September (5:00pm) St George: Riversands Wines
Presented by: Riversands Wines, bookings: 07 4625 3643
Feature image above – photography by Dan Lopez. Elizabeth Lawrence (viola), Camerata’s Strings at Sunset 2015 regional Queensland tour
